The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commenced the deployment of 600 Nigerian Army personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at strengthening the military’s combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
The first batch of 300 soldiers departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, October 22, 2026, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft “a C-17 and an Airbus A321.
The departure was witnessed by Major General UG Yusuf, Coordinator of the Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, who represented the COAS, alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.
According to the Nigerian Army, the specialised training is designed to equip personnel with advanced skills for operating in challenging terrains, including dense forests and mountainous environments where terrorists, insurgents and other criminal groups may seek refuge.
The initiative aligns with the COAS’s command philosophy, which emphasises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and sustained combat readiness.
The programme is expected to improve troops’ tactical capabilities, operational manoeuvrability and ability to conduct missions in difficult environments, while strengthening efforts to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguard lives and property.
The deployment also highlights ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and India, particularly in military training and capacity development.
Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to transport the remaining 300 personnel to India to complete the planned deployment of 600 Nigerian Army troops for the specialised training.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
